CAEC - Canadian Adult Education Credential Science, Technology, and Society Questions and Answers

Question 1

A rural community in Canada lacks reliable, high-speed internet infrastructure.
As a result, students struggle with online learning, and local businesses cannot easily compete with urban e-commerce.
This scenario is a clear example of which societal issue related to technology?

Accepted Answer

The digital divide

Answer

Technological singularity

Answer

Moore's Law

Answer

Net neutrality

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a significant societal and environmental concern often raised in the debate over genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Accepted Answer

The potential for cross-pollination with non-GMO crops and the impact on biodiversity.

Answer

The proven link between GMO consumption and a wide range of human diseases.

Answer

The excessive water consumption required to cultivate any type of GMO plant.

Answer

The inability of GMOs to grow in harsh climates where they are most needed.

Question 3

The widespread implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in manufacturing and service industries is most likely to lead to which of the following societal challenges?

Accepted Answer

A significant shift in the job market, requiring workforce retraining and new skill development.

Answer

A permanent increase in the cost of all consumer goods.

Answer

A total elimination of the need for human supervision in all industries.

Answer

A decrease in the overall efficiency and productivity of businesses.

Question 4

A news story about a new public health policy spreads rapidly on a social media platform. The story is accompanied by sensational headlines and lacks citations to credible scientific sources. This situation highlights which major challenge technology poses to society?

Accepted Answer

The rapid spread of misinformation and its impact on public understanding.

Answer

The violation of privacy through data collection by media companies.

Answer

The slow pace of technological innovation in journalism.

Answer

The high cost of accessing reliable information online.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of using technology for climate change *mitigation*?

Accepted Answer

Developing large-scale solar and wind farms to generate electricity.

Answer

Constructing taller seawalls to protect coastal cities from rising sea levels.

Answer

Engineering drought-resistant crops to survive in a warmer climate.

Answer

Creating advanced weather models to more accurately predict the path of hurricanes.

Question 6

The development of CRISPR gene-editing technology has raised significant societal debate. What is the primary ethical concern associated with its potential use to alter human reproductive cells (a process known as germline editing)?

Accepted Answer

The potential for making heritable changes to the human gene pool and creating 'designer babies.'

Answer

The technology is too expensive for the average person to afford.

Answer

The lack of qualified scientists available to perform the procedures.

Answer

The risk that it could be used to accidentally create new infectious diseases.